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Socially conscious distancing

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Activists take to the streets, in their cars, to call for single-payer healthcare in California. The Car Caravan started with balloons and sign-making at Flowery School, then proceeded to Sonoma Plaza. It was part of a statewide effort backed by the California Nurses Association.

“The need for a single-payer system not tied to employment has become increasingly obvious since the pandemic began,” said Dr. Mary McDevitt, one of the local organizers. “Because health insurance in the U.S. is typically provided by employers, the numbers of uninsured and underinsured have increased along with Covid-caused spikes in unemployment.” Sonoma County now has an unemployment rate of 15.2%; 5.4 million Californians lost their health insurance in the past year, she said. Sonoma City Council member Jack Ding, properly masked, addressed the crowd.

Though the City is not the decision-maker, Ding told the February 6 crowd, “our voices have power and standing together as a community is a great way to send a message to Sacramento that we want to see change.”

Photos courtesy of William Murray

 




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